Animal Collective

The members of experimental psychedelic band Animal Collective first met in school in Baltimore County, Maryland. After collaborating on various musical endeavors throughout high school and college, David Porter and Noah Lennox put out their first album under the name “Avey Tare and Panda Bear” in 2000. The two were then joined by Brian Weitz for their second record, which was released in 2001 under the name Avey Tare, Panda Bear and Geologist.

For their next album, Josh Dobb joined the group and, fearing the name Avey Tare, Panda Bear, Deakin, and Geologist would be too long, the foursome decided to release their 2003 album, Here Comes the Indian, under the common name Animal Collective. The band has since gone on to release four additional studio albums, including their breakout album Merriweather Post Pavillion, and a visual record, ODDSAC. Now the band is set to release their 9th album, Centipede Hz, September 4. However, fans have already gotten a preview of many of the songs from the new record during their recent tour.

Listen to the band play live songs from their new album, including one that did not make the cut, and chat with David Dye about their experience writing the album.